Celebrating Indigenous People

Rev. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley

Today we celebrate First Nations people upon whose land we stand. As American history is told with more accuracy, the renaming of Columbus Day signifies many first steps in the right direction. We now know that the story of Christopher Columbus discovering America is biased. As is often the case, the one writing the story chooses the subject and the objects; thus, generations of Americans have grown up with an orchestrated reading of history. In 1992 California took action to correct history with the acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples Day. On October 8, President Biden acted giving the day federal recognition. In his address, he said:

"For Native Americans, western exploration ushered in a wave of devastation: violence perpetrated against Native communities, displacement and theft of Tribal homelands, and the introduction and spread of disease. On this day, we recognize this painful past and recommit ourselves to investing in Native communities, upholding our solemn and sacred commitments to Tribal sovereignty, and pursuing a brighter future centered on dignity, respect, justice, and opportunity for all people."

As the Church repents its culpability in perpetuating colonization, the Synod affirms its commitment to building relationships with our Native siblings. Let's begin by thickening the narrative of American history. By thickening the story, I mean allowing history to be told with its multi-layered complex realities. We commit ourselves to engage larger truths, and we deconstruct falsehood so that our future actions are based on values of honoring cultures and the humanity of all people. Within the Synod of the Northeast, we celebrate our siblings from the Shinnecock, Ramapo-Lenape, Seneca, and Mohawk Nations with which we have and are building deeper relationships. Despite the attempts at genocide, oppression, and colonization, the Nations have survived. They have modeled resiliency, a sacred love for Mother Earth, scholarship, the arts, and genuine concern for future generations.

To learn more about First Nation communities within the Synod, join us for the screening of Conscience Point, Oct. 15th thru the 22nd, and a workshop with the filmmaker on October 22nd at 2:00 pm. Additionally, you are invited to Come to the Table on October 23 for a panel discussion on The Doctrine of Discovery, its Impact on Native People, the Church's relationship to the doctrine, and how we can move forward.

The Synod is working toward two outcomes 1). Supporting Native Americans in their ongoing efforts for sovereignty and fundamental human rights.  2). Building relationships with tribal nations within the Synod.

For more information, see the following resources:

Synod Visit to Shinnecock
Indigenous Peoples Day Explained
Talking About Race: The Clutes 

Words of Wisdom

"I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of the nation. We do not want riches, but we want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and life."— Red Cloud, Sioux Chief

'When a man does a piece of work which is admired by all, we say that it is wonderful. But when we see the changes of day and night, the sun, the moon, and the stars in the sky and the changing season upon the earth, with their ripening fruits, anyone must realize that it is the work of someone more powerful than man." — Santee Yankonai

“He who would do great things should not attempt them all alone.” — Seneca